Estonia has summoned Russia's representative to discuss a border incident.

14:15: Estonia calls in Russia's diplomatic envoy over border dispute

Estonia's Foreign Minister, Margus Tsahkna, calls the Russian ambassador to Tallinn because of the removal of floating buoys marking the fairway in the shared river Narva. He mentioned these actions as provocative and unacceptable. Estonia demands an explanation and the immediate return of the removed border markers. On Thursday night, Russian border guards took away 24 of these buoys that Estonia used to designate the maritime route. The Narva separates the two countries and also signifies the eastern external borders of the EU and NATO.

Ukrainian Army's Chief, Oleksandr Syrskyj, states that Russian advances in the Kharkiv region in northeastern Ukraine are slowing down. Clashes around Vovchansk, a border town, left Russian troops struggling and suffering heavy losses among the attacking soldiers. Moscow is now deploying forces from other regions to take the city, but is unsuccessful. Vovchansk is the central point of the Russian ground offensive that started two weeks ago in north-eastern Ukraine. The Russians have made their most significant gains since the end of 2022 so far.

German Federal Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, warns Russia against any aggression on their western borders. "Russia is setting fire to the European Union's borders," she states on Platform X. Baerbock supports Estonia, Finland, and Lithuania and does not accept this hostile behavior. "On the contrary, we stand in solidarity with our allies in the Baltic States and the Baltic Sea," she clarifies. Estonian authorities reported that navigation buoys in the Narva river, between Russia and Estonia, have disappeared and want these markers returned.

A Romanian citizen has been detained for spying for Russia. This information was relayed by the Bucharest public prosecutor's office. The suspect photographed and collected data about military bases and the transportation of troops and equipment related to the Romanian army, as well as other NATO countries near Tulcea city. He sent this information to the Russian embassy in Bucharest. A judge has ordered the arrest of this individual for a 30-day investigation period. DIICOT (the Romanian special unit for organized crime and terrorism) and the country's domestic and military intelligence services are working on the matter, and have found several pieces of evidence from the suspect's residence.

According to insiders, Russian President Vladimir Putin is allegedly willing to agree to a ceasefire that acknowledges the current frontline. "Putin can keep fighting as long as necessary," one insider explained, but also, "Putin is also prepared for a ceasefire to freeze the war." Three individuals revealed Putin's perspectives to Reuters, mentioning the president's frustration over what seems to be Western-backed attempts to prevent negotiations. Putin has repeatedly expressed his intentions to negotiate, only to retract those statements just before his re-election by saying, "We are not prepared for negotiations based on wishful thinking, but we are ready for talks based on the actual situation on the ground."

NATO is ordering artillery ammunition worth almost 300 million euros from Rheinmetall, a German arms producer. The ammunition includes tens of thousands of artillery shells and several hundred thousand propellant charge modules. Delivery is scheduled to happen between 2024 and 2028. Rheinmetall attributes this massive order and others to the need to replenish an armored force's ammunition stocks, resulting from the conflict in Ukraine.

What could be the actual explanation behind the increased purges in Russia's Ministry of Defense? As per the Institute for the Study of War, it is likely that the Kremlin is utilizing the accusations of corruption against senior officials as a pretense to conceal the actual reasons for dismissing certain individuals from the Ministry of Defense. Instead of ending with the recent arrests and dismissals of prominent officials, the Kremlin might not be done yet. The Institute quotes a Russian source as saying that six other ministry officials want to resign following the departure of their top leader, Sergei Shoigu. As military bloggers point out, the investigation isn't over yet. Moreover, the arrests have been seen as the initial stage of a campaign to bring corrupt officials to justice under Andrei Belousov, the new Defense Minister. The Kremlin may have allowed these criticisms because they are aimed directly at particular individuals targeted by the Ministry of Defense.

Meanwhile, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban dismisses as baseless worries over a potential Russian attack against a NATO member state. "The Russian military is currently waging a tough and challenging war against the Ukrainians," Orban told the public broadcaster. "If the Russians could easily smash the Ukrainians, wouldn't they have done it by now?" NATO's military capabilities are significantly greater than Ukraine's. Consequently, it's improbable that Russia or any other country would attack NATO. "It's illogical to assume that an incapable Russia would suddenly swallow the entire West," he added, stating that the chances of this are "extremely low."

For the first time, Russia accuses Islamic State (IS) of being behind a terrorist attack near Moscow. Alexander Bortnikov, FSB director, revealed that the preparations, funding, and attacks were coordinated via the Internet by members of the Khorasan Province group - the Afghan branch of IS. Since the tragic incident on March 22nd, which resulted in over 140 fatalities and 360 injuries, IS has claimed responsibility for the attack. However, Moscow has consistently connected Ukraine to the incident, an allegation that Kiev firmly denies. Even now, Bortnikov states: "The investigation is still ongoing, but we now know for certain that Ukrainian military intelligence is directly involved in the attack." Yet, he fails to clarify the link to IS.

In the midst of this commotion, there is no let-up in the bombardment of Kharkiv, a city that has faced constant Russian shelling. There's "no progress forward or back" in Vovchansk, as reported by ntv's Stephan Richter. Vovchansk is facing its gravest crisis yet.

Ukraine claims almost half a million Russian casualties since the beginning of the full-scale invasion on February 24th. The Ukrainian Armed Forces General Staff reports a total of 498,940 Russian troop deaths, including 1,240 losses incurred in a 24-hour period. Furthermore, Ukraine has lost 7,635 tanks, 14,775 armored combat vehicles, 17,569 vehicles and fuel tanks, 12,902 artillery systems, 1,080 multiple launch rocket systems, 813 air defense systems, 356 aircraft, 326 helicopters, 10,401 drones, 27 ships and boats, and one submarine.

The night before, Kharkiv was yet again hit by two glide bombs. Thankfully, there were no casualties reported by Mayor Ihor Terekhov on Telegram. Several residential buildings and an uninhabited building sustained minor damage. The day prior, seven people lost their lives due to Russian fire in Kharkiv. Since then, around 15 S-300 or S-400 anti-aircraft missiles have hit Kharkiv and its vicinity. One of the largest printing houses for books in Ukraine, which has been designated as the "spine of Ukraine,"(a quote from renowned Ukrainian writer Serhij Zhadan on Facebook) was also targeted. This attack highlights Putin’s intentions to destroy the heart of Ukrainian culture.

08:26 FSB chief alleges Ukrainian military involvement in Moscow attack
Alexander Bortnikov, the leader of the Russian domestic intelligence service FSB, accuses the Ukrainian military intelligence of directly taking part in a deadly crime at a concert hall in Moscow during March. Bortnikov states that this is true even if the investigation is still in progress, according to state news agency Tass. Russia has made similar accusations before. However, Bortnikov does not provide any proof for his statement. He also accuses NATO of enabling the transfer of "terrorists and members of international terror groups from the Middle East, North Africa, and Afghanistan" to Ukraine, so they can fight against Russian troops. The radical Islamic terrorist group, ISIS, claims responsibility for the attack on the concert hall. Over 140 people lost their lives in the incident.

08:02 Ukrainian reports: Missile strike on Crimea causes "severe damage"
The Russian communication center in Alushta, Crimea, has been attacked, causing "significant damage to facilities" and losses, as per Ukrainian reports. This information was circulated by the pro-Ukrainian partisan group Atesh and the Crimean Wind Telegram channel. The telegram channel notes that the communication center was hit by at least six American-supplied ATACMS missiles. The target included the antenna that was destroyed, along with several buildings where "high-ranking military personnel" were staying.

07:27 Russian publicist criticizes Russian people
Russian journalist and former legislator Alexander Nevzorov is derogatory about his compatriots. Nevzorov, a critic of the Russian government, says that people, like pugs, chimpanzees, and circus animals, keep the skills they are taught until their death. "The Russian lust for war, the signs of decay, and the patriotism instilled in them by Russian propaganda will not simply vanish," he asserts. "The Russians are condemned to live and die as fools for several generations." Even the departure of Russian President Vladimir Putin will not make Russians any smarter.

07:03 Scholz supports Macron's plan to boost European defense
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz supports French President Emmanuel Macron's plan to strengthen European defense capabilities, which includes nuclear deterrence. "We need to discuss the right combination of capabilities to defend Europe and deter any aggressor," Scholz writes in an article for the Economist. Besides nuclear deterrence, the plan also includes strong conventional forces, air and missile defense, cyber, space, and precision strike capabilities. To enhance the European defense industry, there will be investments in these areas. "We must strengthen the European pillar of our deterrence," Scholz adds. However, he emphasizes: "Make no mistake, there won't be any 'EU nuclear weapons.'" This is infeasible, according to the head of the Social Democratic Party.

06:38 Washington retaliates against Georgia's controversial agent law
After the adoption of a foreign influence operations law in Georgia, the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announces new visa limitations and a reassessment of ties with the country. Blinken says these restrictions would target individuals "responsible or involved in undermining democracy in Georgia, along with their family members." The US will also start a "comprehensive review of US-Georgian cooperation," as stated by Blinken. The United States will hope that Georgian leaders will reconsider the law and promote the country's "democratic and Euro-Atlantic goals."

06:29 Estonia aids Ukrainian children
The Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is allocating over €650,000 in humanitarian aid to support Ukraine. The aid will primarily benefit the country's education system in conflict zones and assist children affected by the war. Some of the funds will be distributed through the Estonian non-profit organization Eesti Pagulasabi, which will focus on improving living conditions in vulnerable locations and aiding Ukrainian refugees in Georgia. Furthermore, Mondo will use part of the funds to organize summer camps and supply psychological support for children in Zaporizhzhya.

05:57 Russian MP reveals Russia's next targets in Ukraine
The Russian military plans to take control of over half the territory of Vovchansk, a town near Kharkiv in eastern Ukraine. This was reported by the Russian news agency TASS based on a statement by Russian MP Viktor Vodolatsky. Once this territory is under Russian control, the cities of Slavyansk, Kramatorsk, and Pokrovsk are Russia's next targets, according to Vodolatsky.

Vladimir Putin touches down in Belarus for talks with Alexander Lukashenko, saying there's much to discuss and all is going smoothly between the two countries. Today's agenda includes discussions on security and joint military exercises. Belarus will participate in the drills, where the use of tactical nuclear weapons will be simulated. The conversations with his Belarusian counterpart are just getting started.

South Korea imposes restrictions on seven North Korean people and two Russian ships in connection to the arms trade between Pyongyang and Moscow. The Korean government made the announcement.

The US gears up to provide $275 million in military assistance to Ukraine. The aid, which doesn't require Congress approval, will include artillery shells, precision-guided bombs, and vehicles, reports three US government officials.

Brazil and China put some distance between themselves and the upcoming Ukraine peace conference in Switzerland, to which Russia hasn't been invited. In an official document, Brazil's special advisor Celso Amorim and China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi call for direct peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. Lula da Silva and Wang recommend that Kiev and Moscow engage in negotiations with equal input from all parties.

A Moscow court sentences a 36-year-old man, presumed Kremlin critic, to 25 years in prison for sabotage and affiliation with a group of Russians fighting for Ukraine. Dubbed the "Legion for the Freedom of Russia," the organization purportedly contends for Ukraine. Last year, Malina is said to have set fire to a railroad control box and planned more sabotage incidents. The arrest took place in June.

Poland and Greece push for an EU-wide air defense system to secure the continent against potential air raids. "Europe will be safe as long as its skies are safe," said Donald Tusk and Kyriakos Mitsotakis in a joint letter to Ursula von der Leyen, EU Commission President.

Unconfirmed footage suggests explosions in Crimea, a region occupied by Russia. It's suspected that Ukraine is launching attacks on Russian interests with US-supplied missiles. A video recorded in Alushta captures the suspected explosions. The video also shows signs of active Russian air defense systems. Crimea's pro-Russian governor has confirmed missile strikes on Simferopol and Alustha, resulting in two fatalities and damages to an empty commercial building.

Rumors surround another potential arrest, hinting at a military purge in Moscow. Reports from pro-Russian channels suggest that Vladimir Verteletsky, the head of the Russian Ministry of Defense's department for ensuring the state defense order, is currently in custody. He stands accused of fraud on a large scale. Just before that, Vadim Shamarin, the Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the army, was arrested. This would mark the fourth high-ranking military officer to be detained since April.

Find out more about previous events here.

Suspected explosions in Crimea heighten tensions as Ukraine reportedly attacks targets on the occupied Ukrainian peninsula, possibly with missiles provided by the US. Russia, however, typically downplays Ukrainian attacks or claims to have shot down all missiles and drones.

Lula da Silva and Wang Yi call for equal participation of all parties in an international peace conference on Ukraine after Brazil and China distance themselves from the conference where Russia isn't invited. Poland and Greece urge the EU to set up an air defense system to safeguard European countries, declaring European safety is contingent on securing its skies.

In Belarus, Putin starts discussions with Lukashenko on security and other topics, including joint military exercises with tactical nuclear weapons. Verteletsky, who's in charge of the state defense order in Russia's Ministry of Defense, allegedly faces fraud charges and arrest.